Robert Kreuter

Those who knew Robert (Bob) Kreuter certainly would agree that he was truly one of a kind. He could come across as a real rough and tough sort of guy, but underneath it all he had a heart of gold. A more devoted husband and father would be hard to find. He treated his wife with deep love and respect. Bob was a loving and caring father and enjoyed being a grandfather. He was a man of character who knew what it meant to work hard as even the things he did with his time off look a bit like work to most. The life he lived each day provides us all with much inspiration. The thirties were some of the darkest days in American history. It was amidst this trying time that the family of George and Thelma (Secrest) Kreuter were thrilled to announce the birth of a healthy baby boy. Robert George was born in Muskegon, Michigan on November 8, 1937, joining his sister, Terry, who was 16 years his senior. His father worked for E. H. Sheldon while his mother stayed home to care for the children. Bob was raised in the family home on Highland Avenue in Muskegon Heights and enjoyed a childhood that was rather typical for the youth of his generation. As a young man in the 1950s, Bob, an Elvis look-alike, loved to hang out with his beer-drinking buddies and listening to fifties music at the Four-Star Service Station. He and his friends were into hot, fast cars, drag racing and cruising Western Avenue in downtown Muskegon. He met a young girl named Irene Pippel at the roller-rink. After dating for a short time the couple married in 1956. Together they were soon blessed with two daughters, Debra and Lori. The young family settled into a home on 8th Street in Muskegon Heights not far from where he grew up. Although they divorced at after a few years, Bob was always grateful for his two girls of whom he raised. Bob was staunchly proud and protective of his daughters, although, much to Loris chagrin, he chased all of her boyfriends away. New and exciting changes were in store for Bob when he met and later married Margaret Petersen. They moved to Norton Shores and welcomed daughter Kimberly into their hearts and home in 1970. Bob and Margaret were divorced in the early eighties. Life was forever changed for Bob when he met his true soul mate, Rose-Marie Gerencer, who worked in accounting at Dresser Industries. Bob swept her off her feet, often taking her fishing, roller-skating, motorcycling and on long beach walks. Their love blossomed over a couple of years, and they married on May 23, 1986. Rose-Marie felt like the luckiest girl in the world to have found such a wonderful man who never shied away from showing her how much he treasured her. The life they shared together was one they both cherished. In order to support his family, Bob worked hard. He initially found work at the Shaw Box, which changed names over the years to Dresser Industries and later to Lift Tech. Bob worked in a variety of positions there over the span of 45 years before retiring in 2001 as an electrician. He was also a volunteer fireman for Norton Shores and later became a part-time police officer for Norton Shores where he worked for 20 years. Through the years Bob was a man of many interests. He liked having a good time with his buddies and as a motorcycle enthusiast; he took several motorcycle trips with his fellow police officers. He also loved giving bike rides to his youngest daughter, Kim along with the family dog, Mickey on his cherished Honda. Bob also enjoyed fishing and fun-filled family camping trips to Pentwater and a few cross-country family trips as well. His love for fast cars continued throughout his entire life, and he had a 56 Thunderbird for a time and especially liked taking his daughters out for rides. Bob enjoyed dabbling in photography, even setting up his own darkroom. He also played around with ham radios. Bob could fix just about anything and was an expert at taking another mans trash and turning it into treasure. Bob frequented garage sales and yard sales and much to his familys embarrassment, he was even known to scan the curb for goodies the night before trash pickup. Bob collected all kinds of things and had a rather extensive collection of clocks. Bob passed along his love of electronics and photography to his eldest daughter, Debra. He could be rather opinionated and sometimes liked to say things just to stir the pot. He was also a master of teasing people all in the name of fun. His daughters affectionately teased back, dubbing him as an old curmudgeon (aka Crabby Bob). There were so many things that made Bob such a special man who was dearly loved. He was a man of faith who was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church and then later of Our Lady of Grace where he attended with Rose-Marie. Bob really loved singing old hymns. He was a lifetime member of the Masonic Lodge in Muskegon where he often went to socialize and have a good time. Later in life Bob struggled with some health issues including a bout with cancer in 1997, however, he was a man of great strength and courage who beat the disease. Diabetes was another one of his struggles, which was hard for him because he had a bit of a sweet tooth. Sometimes he gave in to his cravings and at times his struggle with diabetes slowed him down. In everything he did, Robert Kreuter brought such life and love to those around him. It was clear by the way he lived his life that he was a firm believer in the notion that it is through loving others that we are richly blessed. Bob was a devoted husband and father who was proud of the children and grandchildren who will carry on his legacy of goodwill, generosity, and unconditional love throughout the years. The last days of Bobs life were spent surrounded by his loving wife, family and close friends. He will be deeply missed. Robert G. Kreuter died Saturday, June 25, 2011. Bobs family includes his wife, Rose-Marie; 3 daughters, Debra Kreuter residing in Los Angeles, CA, Lori Kreuter of Muskegon, Kimberly Kreuter of Muskegon; 2 grandchildren Joseph & Matthew Clifford of Muskegon; son-in-law, Steven Clifford; Niece Diane Pearson of Nashville, TN; good friend Allen Dines of FL. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Terry Rien. A celebration of life service will be celebrated on Wednesday, June 29, 2011, 1:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. Interment at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visit with Bobs family on Wednesday, 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Clock Life Story Funeral Home. MEMORIAL: Mercy VNS Hospice. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a memory or sign the online guest book.